The Lagid dynasty, also called the Ptolemaic dynasty, ruled Egypt from 323 to 30 BC. BC, succeeding Alexander the Great. Of Greek origin, the Ptolemies were able to maintain stability in Egypt by adopting local customs and establishing a mixed administration. The capital of this dynasty, Alexandria, became a major economic, cultural and intellectual center of the Mediterranean.
Ptolemaic Egypt experienced a period of prosperity thanks to its strategic location and natural resources. Trade grew, especially with Syria, Asia Minor and Greece, which allowed Egypt to increase its wealth and influence. The dynasty also sought to expand its territory, waging wars against the Seleucids and other rivals.
Culture under the Ptolemies is marked by a fusion of Egyptian and Greek traditions. The Ptolemaic rulers adopted Egyptian religious practices and encouraged the assimilation of cultures. The mixture of the two civilizations gave rise to a unique artistic and architectural style, combining Egyptian and Greek motifs.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Ptolemaic Egypt is the development of science and culture. The Library of Alexandria was founded, attracting scholars and scholars from all over the world. Significant progress has been made in fields such as philosophy, medicine, astronomy and geography. The lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, also testifies to the grandeur of this period.
However, the Lagide dynasty eventually declined due to internal strife, dynastic rivalries, and increasing pressure from Rome. Tensions between the Ptolemies and the local aristocracy led to uprisings and rebellions, weakening the position of the dynasty. Moreover, the growing influence of Rome in the region eventually led to the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty in 30 BC. AD, when Cleopatra VII, the last Ptolemaic queen, committed suicide after her defeat by Octavian (future emperor Augustus).
In sum, the Lagide dynasty left a lasting legacy in Egypt, marked by impressive cultural, scientific and architectural achievements. This period shaped Egyptian history and influenced the later development of the region, even after the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty.
List of pharaohs of this dynasty
📋 LIST OF EGYPTIAN SOVEREIGNS 📋
Hotepsekhemwey / Sneferka / Nebra / ninetjer / Senedj / Noubnefer / Horus Ba / Peribsen / Sekhemib / Khasekhemwy / Neferkasokar / | |||
Djoser / Sanakht / Sekhemkhet / Spoon / Huni | |||
Sekhemre-Khutaouy Amenemhat-/Sobekhotep I/Sekhemkare Amenemhat-Senbef/Sekhemkare Amenemhat V/Ameny-Qemaou/Hotepibre Qémaou-Sa-Hornejhéritef/Ioufeni/Séânkhibrê Amény-Antef-Amenemhat (or Amenemhat VI)/Semenkarê Nebnoun/Sehotepibrê Sousekhtaouy | |||
Sekhaenre Yakbim/Nebuuserre Yaammou/Khauserre Qareh | |||
Semqen/Aper-Anat/Sakir-Har/Khyan/Apophis I/Apophis II?/Khamoudy | |||
/Sekhemre-Sementaouy Djehouty/Sekhemre-Sousertaouy Sobekhotep VIII | |||
Twenty-first dynasty | |||
Twenty-second dynasty | |||
Twenty-third dynasty | |||
Twenty-fourth dynasty | |||
1st Persian Dynasty | |||
Thirty-first dynasty (Achaemenid) | 2nd Persian Dynasty | ||